From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Comparative analysis of Packard components, including the radiator and starting handle, against Rolls-Royce standards.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\1\ scan0247 | |
| Date | 20th November 1935 | |
| -5- SIDE ENGINE GUARDS. Except for the two Side Engine Guards, which are made of Sheet Iron instead of, as in our case Aluminium we note there are no other underpans. RADIATOR. Whilst no doubt effective, the Packard radiator lacks the quality of our own, so far as workmanship and materials go. There is a striking contrast too, between the controlled and workable shutters of the Rolls-Royce, and the mock shutters of the Packard. We estimate that we could produce a radiator such as this 60% cheaper than the R.R. type. The filler cap on the radiator is hardly worth noting, excepting to say it is fit to take its place among the many other trashy pieces on the car. STARTING HANDLE. We take this item following the Radiator, because on the Packard this unit is conspicuous by its absence, therefore, a tunnel or passage through the radiator is not required. We do not feel competent enough to judge whether a starting handle is a necessity to a motor car or not. Evidently the American manufacturers feel justified in taking the risk. We do say however, that because of our own experience, the Packard people have saved themselves a whole lot of trouble by not having a starting handle. If they had had a starting handle, be sure it would have been in keeping with the rest of the car, and unlike the expensive and definitely costly unit of ours. Whilst this secondry device for turning the engine over is but an insignificant part of our chassis, it is the cause of more trouble in design and manufacture than any other unit on the car. Even if we cannot abolish it entirely, we feel that its cost could be reduced 75% and yet made so that it can do the work that it must be seldom called upon to do. | ||